Around The World (Wide Web): Pelicans, Kobe-Ware, Nash

From Corey Hansford, Lakers Nation: Last Friday night the Lakers went into New Orleans and put up a valiant effort ultimately falling 96-85to the Pelicans. The Lakers followed that showing up with a disappointing outing as they gave up 47 points in the first quarter on their way to a 113-90 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves that dropped their record to 3-5. Tonight the Lakers get a chance for a little revenge, and to get back on the winning track as they host the New Orleans Pelicans. Steve Nash continues to struggle with health problems after re-aggravating his back issues in Sunday’s loss and is out for at least two weeks. The first time these teams played the Lakers were led by Chris Kaman’s 16 points, four rebounds, and two blocks. Nick Young also added 13 points. The Pelicans come into this game with a record of 3-4.

From Dave McMenamin, ESPN LA: Kobe Bryant had better make room on the Los Angeles Lakers’ bench. Another Hall of Fame-bound guard is about to join him there. Steve Nash will be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks after being diagnosed with nerve root irritation in his back and hamstring following a visit to back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, the Lakers announced Monday. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni pulled Nash from Sunday’s 113-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves with 1:42 remaining in the second quarter, and the point guard did not return, finishing with two points and three assists in 13 minutes. “It’s just slowly getting worse and worse,” Nash said Monday when asked about the nerve discomfort.

From Kurt Helin, Pro Basketball Talk: Louisville’s Kevin Ware suffered about the most gruesome injury can suffer on the court. On national television in the Elite Eight against Duke, he went down with a bone-sticking-out-through-the-skin injury that was horrific. He is back playing with Louisville this season, he was playing in the Cardinal’s first game against NAIA University of Pikeville and he hit a couple threes. Sunday he was on ESPN for an interview during SportsCenter, and when asked who had reached out to him he quickly said Kobe Bryant. Somebody going through rehab of his own (an Achilles Tendon). You can see the video below, the question is at the 1:!2 mark.

From TheGreatMambino, Silver Screen & Roll: As we discussed on the Silver Screen & Rollcast last week, the concern surrounding Steve Nash’s health has gone through the roof. The former two-time MVP has looked like a shell of himself this season, which is no doubt a symptom of ongoing leg, hip and back problems stemming from a broken leg he suffered one year ago. At best, he’s not active on defense, which has always been the case. But now, his lack of mobility has hindered his ability to operate an offense and his shot–once arguably the best in the league–looks like it’s completely left him.

Ryan Cole

4 responses to Around The World (Wide Web): Pelicans, Kobe-Ware, Nash

Not to beat a dead horse, but even with hindsight being perfect, 2 (!) Firsts and 2 (!) Seconds for a nearing 40 point guard was insane. Obviously, it would be nice to have those picks back now. If Mitch wasn’t such a long time Laker, I would think there would be talk of him getting the axe. Really, how many 38+ point guards succeed in the NBA? Watching Nash this year is like watching Willie Mays fall down in the World Series.

update on the Nash injury – two weeks of treatment and rest then reassess. i wouldn’t hold out any chances of an early retirement though simply to free up the Lakers books. More likely Nash would take rest of season off and recover/surgery and try to play out the last year of his contract – unless they tell him he’s permanently done.

A portion of my post from the last thread that’s been stuck in moderation limbo –

Before the season began, I stated on several occasions, within this FB&G Community, that in order for the team to garner any type of success, they would need to sacrifice offense for defense. Within this equation, I advocated for more playing time for Farmar and less for Nash. It’s now looking as if this is about to come into fruition, but not in the way that I hoped for. Know one wants to see Nash go out like this, but it’s quite obvious that, due to his body failing him and his age, he’s a shell of what he used to be. And personally, I don’t see the situation improving at all for the duration of what’s left of his Hall of Fame Career. However, with that being said, I honestly believe that we’ll be better off in the short and long term going forward.